Practice Innovations, Vol 7(4), Dec 2022, 293-302; doi:10.1037/pri0000174
Many suicidal patients fail to disclose their suicidal thoughts and behaviors to their psychotherapists, thus increasing the likelihood that they will receive less-than-optimal treatment. This article reviews why patients may withhold this information and presents 6 strategies that psychotherapists can use to increase the likelihood that their patients will disclose their suicidal thoughts. These 6 strategies are to: ask patients directly about their suicidal thoughts and avoid negative questions; ask patients twice in different formats; sequence the timing of questions about suicidal thoughts in the intake interview; respond to potentially indirect disclosures of suicidal thoughts; create a therapeutic atmosphere that increases trust and a willingness to be open; and involve family members or friends in treatment if indicated. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)